The date of Columbus' arrival in the Americas is celebrated in Central and South America as the Día de la Raza ("day of the race"), commemorating the first encounters of Europe and Native Americans. It is a celebration of the diversity among native Americans and Europeans.

The day commemorates the date when Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas. In the USA it is observed on the Second Monday in October.

Columbus' voyages across the Atlantic Ocean initiated the European exploration and colonization of the Americas.

While the first voyage in 1492 was immensely significant, Columbus did not actually reach the American mainland until his 3rd voyage in 1498. Instead, while trying to find a sea route to India, he made landfall on an island in the Bahamas that he named San Salvador He was also not the earliest European explorer to reach the Americas.

The day was first celebrated in Argentina in 1917, Venezuela in 1921, Chile in 1923, Colombia in 1921 and Mexico in 1928.

Argentina

In Argentina, the holiday is now known as the Day of respect for cultural diversity. It is celebrated on the second Monday in October. The change of name and move away from the traditional date may reflect that some indigenous communities may consider the arrival of Columbus and the Europeans as a negative event.

Chile

In Chile, the holiday is known as 'Día del Descubrimiento de Dos Mundos' and is celebrated on 12 October.

Colombia

Named after Christopher Columbus, this day has been a public holiday since 1921 and is known as 'El dia de Cristobal Colon'.

Honduras

In Honduras, the day is known as 'Discovery of America' day. Read more.